MedKoo product information:

  Lansoprazole

Lansoprazole (play /lænˈsoʊprəzoʊl/ lan-soh-prə-zohl; INN) is a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) which prevents the stomach from producing gastric acid. It is manufactured by a number of companies worldwide under several brand names (some brand names include: Prevacid, Helicid, Zoton, Inhibitol, Monolitum). It was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1995. Prevacid patent protection expired on November 10, 2009. As a result, prescription Lansoprazole is now available in the form of a generic drug. As of November 12, 2009, Lansoprazole is available over-the-counter (OTC) in the U.S. in a 15 mg dose marketed by Novartis as Prevacid 24HR.

Apricus Biosciences is currently developing PrevOnco™ (lansoprazole and DDAIP in combination with doxorubicin for the treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma; in discussion for SPA Phase III Trial). Currently available therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma offers limited efficacy, with the side effects associated with chemotherapy. In vivo and in vitro, PrevOnco™ has demonstrated tumor cell growth inhibition and enhanced survival, alone and in combination with doxorubicin. The FDA has granted PrevOnco™ orphan status. Apricus Bio is currently in discussions with the FDA to finalize the SPA for Phase 3 registration protocol for a comparator study against doxorubicin in patients who have failed treatment with Nexavar® (the currently marketed first-line anti-cancer treatment for patients with either HCC, or advanced renal cell carcinoma). Patients enrolled will have doxorubicin added to continued therapy with Nexavar® plus either PrevOnco™ or placebo. Subject to positive data, the Phase 3 study would be expected to support the filing of a New Drug Application for marketing approval in the U.S. and Europe.  (source: http://www.apricusbio.com/prevonco.html).

Current developer:    Apricus Biosciences (developing it as anticancer agent)